Scouting Week 3 Fox Valley football

McHenry (1-1) at Dundee-Crown (0-2)

When: today at 7:15 p.m. at the D-C Bowl

Last year: McHenry 57, Dundee-Crown 15

Last week: Streamwood 40, Dundee-Crown 17; Marian Central 14, McHenry 9

Outlook: For the Chargers to dent the win column for the first time since the 2009 season, their young defense will have to contain McHenry quarterback Robert Tonyan and his spread offense. Tonyan is a 50-percent passer with nearly 340 yards passing and 2 touchdowns to his credit through two contests. This presents a challenge for D-C, which starts three sophomores at linebacker and two more in the secondary. “We’ll show up and play hard,” D-C coach Vito Andriola said.

“That’s what we’ve done so far, but we haven’t really played smart. That comes from practice. We’re practicing better, but we have to learn to practice hard on every play. We’ve talked about the process, where we want to be. We’re trying to get there.” D-C running back Cody Lane demonstrated some big-play ability in a loss to Streamwood last week. The sophomore rushed 6 times for 115 yards, including touchdown jaunts of 27 and 36 yards. Offense is nice, but it’s not Andriola’s main focus in Year 1 as he tries to jump start the program. “When we play great defense and have good special teams, we have a chance to win,” he said. “That’ll happen eventually as long as we keep playing hard and stay on task.”

Next: Dundee-Crown at Prairie Ridge; Jacobs at McHenry

Grayslake North (1-1) at Jacobs (2-0)

When: today at 7:15 at William C. Eiserman Stadium

Last meeting (2006): Jacobs 43, Grayslake North 13

Last week: Jacobs 28, Johnsburg 0; Grayslake North 49, Round Lake 6

Outlook: The Golden Eagles have won their first two games despite slow starts in the first half of each win. Putting the ball on the ground has been an issue. Jacobs has fumbled 8 times and lost 4 of them. “I think the biggest thing we have to clean up are some of the fumbles,” said coach Bill Mitz, who owns a record of 8-4 since taking over at Jacobs. “And we had a lot of penalties flagged on us the other night (11 for 95 yards). Defensively, we’re giving up some yardage but we’re not letting people in the end zone. We’re making some defensive adjustments this week, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Fullback Kyle Wright was a load last week. The senior carried the ball 9 times for 145 yards. Caz Zyks rushed for 99 yards on 10 carries as Jacobs rolled up 293 yards rushing. Quarterback Jason Judson is coming off one of his best games. Last week he completed 17-of-27 attempts for 194 yards. The senior ran for a touchdown and threw for two more. Grayslake North is led by junior quarterback AJ Fish, who threw for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns and ran for another in the first half of a blowout. “He’s a very good athlete,” Mitz said. “He’s 6-3 and he runs the option out of the spread. He can take off and run with it.” Fans attending the game are encouraged to donate canned goods and other nonperishable items to the Jacobs food drive to benefit the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills food pantry.

Next: Jacobs at McHenry; Grayslake North at Johnsburg

Crystal Lake South (2-0) at Cary-Grove (2-0)

When: today at 7:15 p.m. at Al Bohrer Field

Last year: CL South 28, Cary-Grove 14

Last week: Cary-Grove 10, Lake Zurich 7; CL South 9, CL Central 0

Outlook: The best rivalry in the Fox Valley Conference takes center stage on the opening night of Valley Division play. Don’t expect much scoring. The Gators have yet to allow a point, and Cary-Grove’s defense didn’t allow a touchdown until the eighth quarter it played. Last season CL South upended the Trojans, ending Cary-Grove’s five-year reign as division champs. That game took place in Week 8. Playing Cary-Grove earlier in the season could benefit the Gators. “To be honest I’d rather play them early because the longer an option team has to get in the groove the harder they are to play,” CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. “Unfortunately, they have everybody on offense back and they have a whole year head start, so I’m not sure if that’s as big a factor as it would have been otherwise.”

Playing each other early gives the winner a leg up in the division race, though both teams still must face state-ranked Prairie Ridge and both have to play undefeated Jacobs on the road. “I don’t want to say it’s just any other game because I’m certainly aware of recent history and the rivalry,” Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg said, “but it really is just another game because it’s our first conference game. We’ve prepared hard for Crystal Lake South and I hope the results will show on the field.” The Gators will start senior Austin Fowler at quarterback, Ahsmann said, which will allow junior Brendan Chrystal to play one way at safety. The Gators are ranked No. 5 this week in the AP Poll of Class 7A schools; Cary-Grove moved up to No. 3 in Class 6A this week by virtue of last week’s win over Lake Zurich, which was ranked No. 2 in Class 7A at the time.

Next: Huntley at CL South; Hampshire at Cary-Grove

Prairie Ridge (2-0) at Huntley (0-2)

When: today at 7:15 p.m. at Huntley Athletic Field

Last year: Prairie Ridge 33, Huntley 6

Last week: Kaneland 34, Huntley 13; Prairie Ridge 42, Mundelein 0

Outlook: Prairie Ridge, which holds a 4-2 edge in this series, enters this game ranked No. 4 in Class 6A, according to The Associated Press Poll. “They’ve always got a real good team and I don’t see many weaknesses on either side of the ball,” Huntley coach Matt Gehrig said. “They are really good in the backfield among several other positions and they’ve played very well to this point. I’m sure their goals are set high.” PR running back Jordan Getzelman has already rushed for more than 300 yards with 4 touchdowns in his first two games.

The Prairie Ridge defense is coming off its first shutout of the season. For the third straight week Huntley will face a team that advanced to at least a state quarterfinal last season. The Wolves, in fact, have made consecutive appearances in the Class 6A semifinals. “Obviously, I think our players are disappointed to start out 0-2 Gehrig said. “That wasn’t where we had hoped to be, but the guys have their chins up and have had some good days of practice this week. Right now we’re striving to continue to improve each week.” Ethan Connor was a bright spot last week against Kaneland. The junior rushed 14 times for 125 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown run.

Next: Huntley at CL South; Dundee-Crown at Prairie Ridge

Grayslake Central (2-0) at Hampshire (0-2)

When: today at 7:15 p.m. at Hampshire Athletic Field

Last week: DeKalb 37, Hampshire 14; Grayslake Central 32, Grant 21

Outlook: Hampshire officially delves into Fox Valley Conference play as the Whip-Purs welcome the Rams for the Fox Division opener. Dan Cavanaugh said his staff is treating this game like any other. “We’re just working on what we need to work on and going at it,” he said. “We haven’t emphasized that this is the first time in a new conference or anything like that because the guys have heard all the hype. We’re just focused on improvement. We’re really happy because we thought we saw some big jumps from Week 1 to Week 2 on both sides of the ball. We’re tackling better, our offensive line is really coming together and Kyle Anderson is taking some big steps at quarterback.”

Cavanaugh also credited the superb play of senior Chase Lundry, who last week rushed for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries as a fullback. The Hampshire defense is tasked with stopping 5-foot-10, 215-pound Grayslake Central running back Joel Valdivia. The senior rushed 13 times last week for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Next: Hampshire at Cary-Grove; Woodstock at Grayslake Central

Streamwood (2-0) at Elgin (1-1)

When: Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Field

Last year: Elgin 33, Streamwood 2

Last week: Streamwood 40, Dundee-Crown 17; Bartlett 42, Elgin 0

Outlook: These District U-46 rivals played each other only four times in the last decade and the Maroons won all four meetings, stretching their winning streak in the series to 6 straight. Streamwood, 2-0 for the first time since 2002, aims for its first win against Elgin since the Sabres prevailed 6-0 in 1998. These teams have beaten a common opponent: Dundee-Crown. Elgin beat the Chargers 34-19 in the season opener and the Sabres beat D-C 40-17 last week. Armed with a strong offensive line paving the way for senior running back Alex Morrow (448 yards, 6 TDs) and senior quarterback Dalton Lundeen (18 of 32, 350 yards, 4 TDs), the Sabres seek to go 3-0 for the first time since 1997.

“Streamwood is obviously much improved,” Elgin coach Dave Bierman said. “They’ve got some weapons at the tailback spot, at QB and their defense does a really nice job. It’ll be a different type of game than it’s been in past years because they’re a lot better. They come off the line better and you can see that they’re a lot stronger. They are making holes up front.” Elgin had a hole in its lineup last week when two-way stud Dennis Moore was unable to play due to a sprained ankle suffered in the season opener. He rushed for 181 yards and scored 3 touchdowns in the season opener. Moore ran a bit on Wednesday and was scheduled to practice Thursday. Bierman said Moore’s status for Saturday’s game would depend on how well he responds after Thursday’s practice. Streamwood expects Moore to play. “I can’t imagine a guy like that wants to sit out any more than he has to,” Sabres coach Cal Cummins said. “Regardless, they have a well-coached team that plays some aggressive football. It’s the opening of conference play (UEC River) so I’m sure they will bring a lot to the table. They’ll want it as much as we do.”

Next: St. Charles North at Streamwood; Elgin at Geneva

Batavia (2-0) at Larkin (1-1)

When: today at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Field

Last year: Batavia 41, Larkin 0

Last week: Larkin 18, West Chicago 16; Batavia 48, Plainfield East 6

Outlook: The Bulldogs were one vote shy this week of being ranked in the top ten in the AP Poll of Class 7A schools. Batavia is a big, physical team that features five players competing in their third season at the varsity level. “They seem to be the cream of this division,” Larkin coach Mike Scianna said. “They’re looking for a deep playoff run this year. This is a measuring stick for us to see where we’re at. We want to compete. We remember last year getting beat up pretty well. Hopefully, we’ll go out there and compete with them right from the start. We will need our senior leadership to guide us again like they did last week.”

The Royals may have to rely on the throwing arm of third-year quarterback Kyle Newquist considering Batavia has a strong defensive front, led by 6-foot-6, 150-pound defensive end Cole Gardner. The Royals gained only 35 yards from their running backs in last week’s victory at West Chicago. Meanwhile, Newquist in two games has completed 25-of-50 passes for 337 yards and 2 touchdowns. Larkin’s defense has not allowed a second-half point this season. “Maybe we just need a little time to get going,” Scianna said.

Next: Bartlett at Batavia; Larkin at St. Charles East

Waubonsie Valley (2-0) at Bartlett (1-1)

When: today at 7:30 p.m. at Millennium Field

Last year: Waubonsie Valley 17, Bartlett 6

Last week: Waubonsie Valley 34, Oswego 14; Bartlett 42, Elgin 0

Outlook: This Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division opener is a doozy, pitting the two teams that tied for the title last year. Waubonsie Valley edged the Hawks head to head, thanks in part to Bartlett turnovers. “We threw an interception and had a couple of fumbles that probably cost us the game,” Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. “We can’t do that this time because they’re very good. They are very strong on defense, very fast. They fly to the ball. Our defense is going to have their work cut out for them because they are a very aggressive team.”

The Hawks have been led offensively by senior quarterback AJ Bilyeu (27 of 42, 336 yards, 5 TDs), senior tight end Lorenzo Mitchell (8 receptions, 114 yards, 2 TDs), senior receiver Zach Karys (11-125-1), senior fullback Nate Massey (13 carries, 94 yards, TD) and running back James Butler. A sophomore, Butler has rushed 15 times for 79 yards and a touchdown and has 5 receptions for 73 yards and a score.

Next: Lake Park at Waubonsie Valley; Bartlett at Batavia

South Elgin (0-2) at Lake Park (1-1)

When: today at 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Lake Park 48, South Elgin 0

Last week: Metamora 17, South Elgin 10; Lake Park 37, Glenbard East 35

Outlook: This will be a true test of South Elgin’s inner fortitude. The Storm had only three practice days to prepare for the UEC Valley Division opener in Roselle due to the postponement of Saturday’s game in Metamora, which was delayed by lightning until Labor Day. Meanwhile, the Lancers take the field on full rest after winning a nonconference shootout last Friday. “Obviously, it’s been a short week after a long weekend, but the kids got after it in practice,” South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. “It was a physical game last week against a team that plays power football, but we’ll be rested up and ready by the time Friday night rolls around. We’ll have to be ready because Lake Park is playing well.”

The Lancers’ main weapon has been running back LaCurt Evans. The senior has rushed 21 times for 208 yards and 5 touchdowns. He scored 4 touchdowns last week, including the game-winner with just over three minutes remaining, which gave first-year coach Chris Roll his first victory. South Elgin is led offensively by senior running back Adolfo Pacheco, a downhill runner who has gained 328 yards on 47 carries (7.0 avg.). The young South Elgin defense needs to grow up in a hurry if it intends to stop Evans and the Lancers. The Storm defense allowed 363 yards rushing against Downers Grove South and 252 rushing yards against Metamora.

Next: Metea Valley at South Elgin; Lake Park at Waubonsie Valley

St. Edward (2-0) at Wheaton Academy (0-2)

When: today at 7 p.m. at Wheaton College

Last year: St. Edward 22, Wheaton Academy 10

Last week: St. Edward 55, Iroquois West 6; Byron 42, Wheaton Academy 0

Outlook: The undefeated Green Wave take on the winless Warriors on turf in the Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division opener for both teams. The St. Edward defense held Iroquois West to 59 yards of total offense last week. They’ll face a Wheaton Academy offense that was shut out by Byron a week ago. “Our goal this week is to get our first SCC win and I don’t care what form or fashion it comes in,” St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said. These teams were both in the SCC Gold Division last year. St. Edward clinched that division by defeating the Warriors in Week 9.

The St. Edward defense has allowed only 6 points this season, led by seniors Mark Sink (25 tackles), Evan Finnane (19 tackles, 2 sacks), Ryan Johnson (18 tackles) and Zack McQueen (13 tackles, 3 sacks). That unit will focus on stopping Wheaton Academy running back John Mark Wiersma. “We need to bottle him up,” Rolando said. “They do a good job of getting him the ball on screens and different running plays. I don’t think their quarterback can hurt us running the ball or throwing down the field, so I think we’ll see them hand off to their running back or find him on bubble screens and slip screens.” Rolando said he is pleased with the progress of senior quarterback Bob French, who has completed 11-of-22 passes for 279 yards and 4 touchdowns without an interception in his first season as a varsity signal caller.

Next: St. Edward at Marmion Academy; Wheaton Academy at St. Francis

Rock Falls (0-2) at Burlington Central (1-1)

When: today at 7 p.m. at Rocket Hill

Last week: Sycamore 20, Burlington Central 17, OT; North Boone 27, Rock Falls 0

Outlook: The Rockets came close last week to winning their second straight game before falling in overtime, but close isn’t good enough under the Rich Crabel administration. “We’re happy about the fact that we played well in the last game, but with us and our kids we don’t really think of it as a moral victory because it didn’t go in the W column,” Crabel said. “I’m happy with the way we’re playing, but we still have room to get better and the kids want to get better.” The Rockets’ 4-3 defense has been led by returning all-Big Northern East middle linebacker Chandler Crary, who is averaging 16 tackles per game, according to his coach, followed closely by senior safety Al Willett.

Johnny Major has also played very well, Crabel said. The offense could have a big day in this Big Northern crossover against Rock Falls, which joined the BNC-West this season. The Rock Falls Rockets have been outscored 79-6 by Harvard and North Boone. “This team is a little different in that they have a wide-open offense, sometimes in shotgun and sometimes with one back or no back at all,” Crabel said. “We worked real hard in the summer on stopping that so I believe we’ll be prepared. We think we match up pretty well with this team. I’d like to see the offense improve on last week’s performance. We did a better job throwing the ball, but we didn’t run as well as we’d like. We’ve gotten after the offensive linemen this week to rise to the challenge.”

Next: Burlington Central at Stillman Valley; Genoa-Kingston at Rock Falls